CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a six-storey block of 44 flats on a car park in West Cliff are being recommended for approval.

The proposal for Durley Road car park was deferred less than an hour before it was due to be considered by Bournemouth council’s planning board last month and has now been rescheduled for this month’s meeting.

Members of the board are being recommended to grant permission for the scheme despite concerns about the loss of parking from residents and parents of pupils at nearby St Michael’s Primary School and concerns about traffic safety.

The scheme was submitted by the Bournemouth Development Company (BDC) – a partnership between Bournemouth council and Morgan Sindall – earlier this year and has attracted dozens of letters of objection.

Most concerns centre around the loss of parking and the subsequent impact on road safety and were backed by ward councillor Nick Rose.

Cllr Rose called for measures to be introduced straight away, saying: "I am very keen that the urgent road safety work that the council has identified in and around St Michael's School is put into place as soon as possible, before some child is seriously injured or killed.

"We do not have to wait, the situation is so serious that the money should come from council funds."

Plans submitted to the council include £354,000 in mitigation measures, including the introduction of a 20mph zone and speed platforms and humps.

The deferment agreed last month was to give BDC more time to consider these measures and the timescales in which they will be completed.

In a report to the planning board, members are being recommended to approve the scheme.

“The applicant has been provided with extensive pre-application advice,” the report says.

“A number of minor issues were highlighted during the assessment period and the applicant/agent responded by submitting amended plans which were found to be acceptable.

“Having considered the appropriate development plan policy and other material considerations, it is considered that the development would be in accordance with the development plan, would not materially harm the character or appearance of the conservation area or the amenities of neighbouring and proposed occupiers and would be acceptable in terms of traffic safety and convenience.”